Whitewater Reservoir Saddle Dam is an earth dam located in St. Louis County, Minnesota, built in 1954. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 36 ft36 ft tall and 2,160 ft long, taller than 82% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against a two-story house, about 25 ft; the profile is a generic embankment section and the water level is illustrative.
About Whitewater Reservoir Saddle Dam
The primary purpose of Whitewater Reservoir Saddle Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Mn Power and Light (public utility). It impounds the St. Louis River near Forbes.
The dam stands 36 feet tall and stretches 2,160 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,233 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 26,873 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 112 square miles. Completed in 1954, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 10/05/2022.
At 36 feet, this dam is taller than 82% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Minnesota |
| County | St. Louis |
| Nearest City | Forbes |
| River/Stream | St. Louis River |
| Coordinates | 47.50953, -92.18569 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 36 ft |
| Dam Height | 31 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,160 ft |
| Year Completed | 1954 (72 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 26,873 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 26,873 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 20,562 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,233 acres |
| Drainage Area | 112 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Mn Power and Light |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/05/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MN00771 |
| Federal ID | MN00771 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |